Scottish minister quits over 'inappropriate behavior'

World
Europe

A junior minister in Scotland's government resigned on Saturday after admitting "inappropriate behavior," as a sleaze scandal in British politics showed no sign of abating.

Childcare minister Mark McDonald said in a statement that he apologized "unreservedly to anyone I have upset or who might have found my behavior inappropriate."

"Some of my previous actions have been considered to be inappropriate, where I have believed myself to have been merely humorous or attempting to be friendly, my behavior might have made others uncomfortable or led them to question my intentions," he said.

A government spokesman confirmed McDonald had tendered his resignation to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier Saturday.

He is expected to remain a lawmaker in the Scottish parliament, representing Sturgeon's Scottish National Party in Aberdeen.

View of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland /AFP Photo

Several claims of harassment and abuse have emerged against British politicians in the wake of the allegations by dozens of women against Hollywood tycoon Harvey Weinstein.

On Wednesday, Michael Fallon resigned as defense secretary, saying his behavior in the past had "fallen below the high standards" expected of the role.

He had previously apologized for touching a journalist's knee 15 years ago.

Another journalist alleged late Saturday that Fallon "lunged" at her, trying to kiss her, after a lunch in 2003.

File Photo Michael Fallon /AFP Photo

Jane Merrick, who was a junior political reporter at the time, wrote in The Observer she did not report him because she "feared making enemies."

But after other allegations emerged, she informed May's Downing Street office of what happened, and less than three hours later, he resigned.

Two other ministers are under investigation for allegations of impropriety, while the opposition Lab our party is also investigating the behavior of a number of its lawmakers.

Labour's foreign affairs spokeswoman, Emily Thornberry, told the BBC: "Some of the things that I have heard in the last week have been so disgusting, and I am ashamed that this could happen in the Labour party."

7947km

Source(s): AFP